Van der Poel & Pogačar: Monument Showdown & Record Chases in 2026 Classics

Livigno, Italy – February 4, 2026 – Mathieu van der Poel is resetting before a spring campaign poised to be a generational clash with Tadej Pogačar, aiming to cement his legacy as one of cycling’s all-time greats.

After a record-breaking run in cyclocross, culminating in an eighth world title, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider is shifting his focus to the cobbled classics. He’s currently enjoying a break on the ski slopes of Livigno before heading back to Spain to prepare for the road season. Van der Poel told Sporza he’s still evaluating whether to race Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, mirroring his approach last year with Le Samyn.

The rivalry with Pogačar is already shaping the narrative for the spring classics. According to outsideonline.com, Van der Poel is considered the only rider currently capable of defeating Pogačar head-to-head in one-day races, particularly on terrain suited to his aggressive, powerful style. This dynamic sets the stage for a compelling battle across the northern monuments.

At 31, Van der Poel is on the cusp of adding to an already impressive career. He already holds the record for men’s cyclocross world championships, and a successful spring could see him match or surpass numerous records in the cobbled monuments. The potential for history is significant, but Pogačar looms large as a formidable obstacle.

The Pursuit of Monumental Records

The spring classics offer Van der Poel the opportunity to etch his name further into cycling history. A win in both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix this year would be particularly significant. Currently, no rider has won the Tour of Flanders more than three times, a record shared by a crowded field including Eddy Merckx. A fourth victory would give Van der Poel sole possession of that record.

Paris-Roubaix presents another chance to make history. A win would see him equal Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen’s record of four victories. It would extend his streak of fastest edition times and potentially secure a record for consecutive wins, currently shared with Francesco Moser and Octave Lapize at three.

Van der Poel is also climbing the all-time monument rankings, currently tied with Rik Van Looy in seventh place with eight monument victories. Adding two more this spring would move him into a tie for third with Costante Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, and Sean Kelly. Three more would put him second, behind only Eddy Merckx’s unparalleled 19 monument wins.

Pogačar’s Challenge and the Shifting Landscape

While Van der Poel’s dominance on the cobbles is well-established, Tadej Pogačar is rapidly closing the gap. Pogačar already has 10 monument victories and is considered a legitimate threat to complete the set of all five monuments, a feat achieved by only a handful of riders in cycling history. He is particularly strong in the hilly classics like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia, races where Van der Poel has historically struggled.

The rivalry between Van der Poel and Pogačar has already been intense, with the pair winning 14 of the last 19 Monuments races. In 2025, they finished first and third in both Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders, demonstrating their dominance. Pogačar’s recent victory at the World Championships further solidified his position as a top contender.

However, the competition extends beyond these two titans. Riders like Remco Evenepoel, Mads Pedersen, and teams like Visma-Lease a Bike and Soudal Quick-Step are also vying for success in the classics. While Van der Poel and Pogačar remain the clear favorites, the depth of talent in the peloton suggests that surprises are possible.

The dynamic between the two stars is unique. Van der Poel embodies the traditional classics rider – powerful and fast on the flats – while Pogačar is a more versatile all-rounder. This difference in style adds another layer of intrigue to their rivalry.

According to rouleur.cc, since 2020, Van der Poel, Pogačar, and Evenepoel have won 20 of the 24 monuments contested, highlighting their dominance in the one-day races. The few exceptions – Matej Mohorič and Dylan Van Baarle in 2022, and Jasper Philipsen in 2024 San Remo – underscore how difficult it is to break into the top tier of monument contenders.

The 2026 monument season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Van der Poel and Pogačar leading the charge. The stakes are high, and the potential for history is undeniable. The coming months will determine whether Van der Poel can solidify his place among the greatest cobbled classics riders of all time, or if Pogačar will continue his ascent towards cycling immortality.